abe darby

April 25th

I was invited to table at the Old Town Farmer’s Market in Scottsdale today; it was fun to talk a bit about the organization I work for and to meet other nonprofit/gardener/activist folk. There were lots of families roaming the market, many with small children and dogs. The people watching was fabulous and the company of the other vendors was lovely too.

Of all the gorgeous organic fruits and vegetables for sale, I bought homemade ice cream and a container of medjool dates. Sweet Republic’s “burnt sugar” tastes like crème brulee in a scoop. Their flavors are so creative and fabulous – in part because they use local, fresh produce when making their batches.

If I’d had another $20 in my wallet, I would have purchased an armful of these roses. The gardener grows them in downtown Phoenix as a hobby; she talked me through the varieties. This is the first bloom of the season for the Abraham Darby rose, my new favorite flower. She said the second bloom will occur in mid-May. I’m going back with a giant vase and a pocket full of cash. {I’ve been back twice to buy African baskets from Abdullah, as many of you requested. He hasn’t been back since.}

This bunch of flowers appeared a uniform and delicate ivory from a distance. Upon closer examination, they are the palest yellow, purple and pink. I was surprised how much I was taken by their beauty. Fat cabbage and antique roses are simply stunning. Certainly a delightful way to start my morning, surrounded by the sweet scent of spring.

I think that I now have a new favorite flower too! Thank you Kelli for beautify-ing my day and edifying my slowly growing ‘flowers to go in my one day garden’ list. Happy Sunday, Sister! I hope things are sweet and beautiful for you (with just enough challenge thrown in for a little spice!). I’m thinking of you and wishing all good things–Big Hugs…

The flowers are gorgeous and your photographs of them are exquisite. The market sounds chock-full of wonders to try. That ice cream sounds delicious. I think I’m going to try and find that creme brulee ice cream recipe I saw somewhere as your post is making me think about that flavor.